Male mid-life career changers

jkepple · 14 February 2022 at 11:16PM

MalMonroe said:

jkepple said:

mcpitman said:

Exciting times, I would heavily think about what I want and what I need from an employer.

No point being an HGV driver if you don't like driving long distances or don't enjoy your own company, for example.

Money driven decision or not?
Do you prefer interacting with other staff/customers, or prefer to be on your own?
Is job flexibility key?
Do you like fixed or variable shifts?

Thanks for the reply.
I'm sociable but hate jobs that involve selling. I don't mind working alone, but do need flexibility with teenagers to look after.
Very much a money-driven decision- any course worth doing seems to cost a lot of money.
I did look at IT, but being realistic, too old to start now I guess

Please do not say, think or write the sentence in bold above ever again!! What a terrible thing to say. I am about to turn 72 and am setting up my own online business. I started an undergraduate degree course at the age of 50 and graduated with a 2.1 BA Hons when I was 53. You are never too old!! (Don't forget it.)

I'm very tech savvy because I used computers and associated tech stuff during my working life and carried on at home after retirement. It isn't hard. My local council offers free computer training - maybe yours does too. But even if it doesn't it's a great investment for your future.

If you decide to go back to college as a mature student, you may also be able to apply for funding.

A couple of links below - some of the suggestions may be a bit weird but they give you an idea of what is out there and you could do some googling yourself, of course to find better options.

https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/the-after-50-career-change

https://restless.co.uk/career-advice/job-ideas/career-change-ideas-for-the-over-50s/

There's also a Careers Advice Service, if you think that might be helpful -

https://jobhelp.campaign.gov.uk/government-services/national-careers-service/

Good luck - the world is your oyster!

Thanks for the advice and the links.
Few years back after finding myself redundant I went straight into a Teacher Training job, thinking secure, safe job, but absolutely hated it, so scared of getting fingers burnt again.